Your night cream FAQs, answered:
What are the benefits of using a night cream?
“Night creams work with your skin’s natural repair process whilst you sleep, providing deep hydration and supporting cell renewal,” says KimberleyMedd, head of clinic at Face the Future. “By using a night cream regularly, you can wake up with smoother, more hydrated, and healthier-looking skin. I recommend the Medik8 Advanced Night Restore, which is formulated with ceramides and peptides to strengthen the skin barrier and boost collagen production.”
What’s the difference between a night cream and a normal moisturiser?
“A day moisturiser is designed to protect the skin from free radical damage, pollution and sun damage,” says Nadia Aminian, senior aesthetician at the Taktouk Clinic. “Daytime moisturisers normally include brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, and are usually lighter in texture. A night cream is designed to nourish and heal, is usually richer in texture, and has more active ingredients, such as retinol.”
How do I choose the best night cream for my skin type?
According to skincare expert and co-founder of Katherine Daniels, Kirsti Shuba, choosing the right night cream for your skin type requires an understanding of your skin’s unique needs.
“For those with dry or dehydrated skin, it’s important to choose a rich, nourishing cream that’s packed with moisture-locking ingredients like shea butter or ceramides. These help to restore the skin’s natural barrier function, preventing moisture loss throughout the night,” she says.
"Or if you have oily or combination skin, a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that hydrates without overwhelming the skin is ideal. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin without leaving a greasy finish.
"For those concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, opt for a night cream that includes anti-ageing ingredients like retinol, peptides, or vitamin C. These ingredients work to promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin elasticity.”
The expert continues that the best night cream for you is one that supports your skin’s natural function and helps it perform at its best.
“For the best overnight recovery, I'd recommend our Nurturing Night Balm, which is packed with omega oils and vitamins A, C, E, and B to defend skin against oxidative stress and environmental damage, while deeply nourishing the skin,” she finishes.
Where in my skincare routine should my night cream be applied?
Kimberley advises to always apply your night cream as the final step in your evening skincare routine.
"After cleansing, apply a toner if you use one, followed by serums or targeted treatments. Once those have fully absorbed, seal everything in with your night cream. This locks in moisture and enhances the effectiveness of your entire routine for the best results."
Nadia advocates for the importance of a nighttime treatment. “A serum or a gel based product is great to apply at night on clean skin before your night cream as the cells heal. The SkinCeuticals Resveratol B E Treatment is a great option, as it fights free radical damage while your skin heals itself at night, and is suitable for all skin types.”
What should I avoid when choosing a night cream?
Dr Marko Lens, founder of Zelens, advises to avoid night creams containing botanical oils or plant butters if you have oily, sensitive or acne-prone skin, so as not to exacerbate sebum levels or increase the risk of breakouts.
And although you want a night cream with active ingredients to treat your skin concerns, you need to ensure these same ingredients are not in your cleanser, toner or serum, since layering too many actives can lead to skin irritation and sensitivity.
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Looking to revolutionise your skincare routine? Check out our guides on the the best face SPFs, best face masks and best glycolic acids. And don't forget about other bestseller skincare products such as eye creams, best hyaluronic acids serums and vitamin C serums.
